Single-storey side extension at 3 Ethel Street, Smethwick

What was proposed

The application proposed a single-storey side and rear extension with a pitched roof to provide a kitchen.

“The proposal is for a single storey side/rear extension.”

“The proposed single storey side/rear extension measurements are 6.175 metres in length by 2.3 metres in width. A pitched roof is proposed to a height of 3.1 metres (2.4 metres to the eaves). The extension use will be for a kitchen, replacing the existing kitchen and outbuilding.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The property is a mid-terraced dwelling in a mainly residential street, near a primary school and wider mixed-use area.

“The Application Site 5.1 The application property is a mid-terraced dwellinghouse on the southern side of Ethel Street, Smethwick, opposite to the junction of Gladys Road, Smethwick. The character of the Ethel Street is predominantly residential in nature; however, Bearwood Primary School occupies a site in Ethel Street near to the application property. The character of the wider area is mixed use with retail/residential premises situated on Bearwood Road, Smethwick.”

Officer report

Earlier application

An earlier application for a single-storey side extension was refused in January 2026.

“Description Decision and date DC/25/71227 Proposed single storey side extension (Lawful Development Certificate). Refused Lawful Development Consent – 23 January 2026”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment considered amenity, design, highways, hedge removal and possible HMO use.

“Key Considerations 4.1 The site is not allocated in the development plan. Material planning considerations (MPCs) are matters that can and should be taken into account when making planning decisions. By law, planning decisions should be made in accordance with the development plan unless MPCs indicate otherwise. This means that if enough MPCs weigh in favour of a development, it should be approved even if it conflicts with a local planning policy.”

“The material planning considerations which are relevant to this application are: • Government policy (NPPF); • Amenity concerns – loss of light, outlook and privacy; • Design concerns – appearance and materials; • Highways considerations – highways safety, parking and traffic generation; • Environmental considerations – loss of hedges; • Potential usage as a HMO”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection because the extension would enlarge the kitchen without increasing the number of bedrooms.

“No objections from Highways – there is no increase in the number of bedrooms, only an increase in the size of the kitchen, therefore the proposed extension would not cause any issues on the highway or pose any severe concern.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant, an objector and Councillor Davies addressed the committee about the proposal and possible future HMO use.

Members’ discussion

Members were reminded that the application concerned the extension and that possible HMO use could not be considered.

“Councillor Davies was also present and addressed the Committee in objection to the application. Concerns were raised about the potential future use of the site as an HMO and that the provision for parking would not be adequate if this was to be the future use, especially when considering the area in which the site is positioned.”

“Members were reminded that the application in question was in regards to the extension and that the concerns around the site being used as an HMO was not something that the Committee could consider. Furthermore, the Council’s Highways Officer confirmed that the application could only be judged on the plans presented and no judgement could be made, in relation to highways, regarding the potential use of an HMO.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Members approved the application because they were satisfied with the proposals, subject to conditions.

“Members were satisfied with the proposals and were minded to approve the application, subject to the conditions recommended by the Executive Director- Place.”

“Resolved that Planning Application DC/26/71425 - 3 Ethel Street, Smethwick B67 5AL (Proposed single storey side/ rear extension) is granted, subject to conditions relating to:-”

Minutes